After washing the disciple’s feet, Jesus questioned them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” In this portion of John 13, Jesus, Teacher and Lord, spoke about His role, the imminent betrayal, and the betrayer.
His Role
Thus far, the disciples have come to know Jesus as their Teacher and Lord. Jesus confirms this indeed is His role. Therefore, in that role, He set an example of what they should do for one another. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” He directs their thinking. “a servant is not greater than his master,” nor is he who was sent, greater than he who sent him.” Now that you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.
The Betrayal
Jesus chose these men who He would invest His life into over the years of His ministry. When He spoke of His role as their Lord and teacher, He knew there was one who did not fit. He told His disciples, because He wanted them to hear it from Him. Then, when it happened, it would further prove His role and identity. He quoted King David, “He who eats bread with Me, has lifted up his heel against Me.” It troubled His spirit. Nevertheless, it had been written and would be fulfilled.
The Betrayer
The disciples are curious. Which one of them would turn on their Lord and Teacher? Peter motions to John to ask the question lingering on everyone’s mind. “Lord, who is it?” Jesus doesn’t point His finger and say “Judas.” Instead, He keeps it in the context of the fulfillment of scripture. “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” He dips it and gives it to Judas the son of Simon. At that point Satan entered Judas and Jesus sent him to “do it quickly.” The disciples didn’t follow what was happening. They thought Jesus was sending him on an errand. John then writes, “Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.” How aptly the last four words describe the life of Judas from that point. He left the Light of the world and was swallowed in darkness.
In this portion of John 13, Jesus spoke about His role, the imminent betrayal, and the betrayer.
